New AAP Guidance Calls for Expanded Screening and Treatment of Iron Deficiency in Children and Teens

A revised American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical report published in the July 2026 issue of Pediatrics provides the first major update to pediatric iron deficiency guidance in nearly a decade.

Jacquelyn Powers, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Section Chief of Hematology at Baylor College of Medicine, served as a lead author of the report, which expands recommendations across the pediatric age spectrum and provides updated guidance for the prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency remains one of the most common nutritional deficiencies affecting children and adolescents. Because symptoms can be subtle and may develop gradually, the condition is often underrecognized until it progresses to anemia. The updated guidance aims to support earlier identification and intervention through evidence-based recommendations tailored to different stages of childhood and adolescence.

Key updates include:

• Risk-based laboratory screening using complete blood count and ferritin testing 
• Universal screening for menstruating adolescents 
• Preventive iron supplementation recommendations for high-risk infants 
• Updated diagnostic thresholds for iron deficiency 
• Revised treatment and follow-up recommendations for children and adolescents with iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia

The report also emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing underlying causes of iron deficiency, including inadequate dietary iron intake, rapid growth, and menstrual blood loss.

Iron plays a critical role in growth, neurodevelopment, energy, metabolism, and red blood cell production. Earlier diagnosis and treatment can help prevent anemia while supporting healthy development, academic performance, and long-term health outcomes.

Read a highlight written by Dr. Powers here.

Read the full report here.